Meet Dr Tlou Maggie Masenya who graduated with Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit Award for her Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Celebratory Autumn Graduation ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Monday, 18 July 2022.
Dr Masenya obtained her PhD in Information Science, specialising in Digital Preservation at UNISA.
She was extremely happy and humbled to receive Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit Award, conveying that it is such an honour to receive such a prestigious accolade which was beyond her expectations.
“Reflecting on my life’s achievements, this is one of the greatest pinnacles which took boundless effort, tenacious, passion, commitment to excellence, work ethic, dedication and most importantly a positive mental attitude,” she said.
She joined DUT in August 2020 as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, expressing that she wanted to pursue her studies in Management Sciences in Business Administration as she believed that it would be a great opportunity to advance her management and leadership skills.
“Although the course has equipped me with knowledge and competencies across a range of disciplines, it was bit challenging as I needed a theoretical and practical knowledge or background. However, I adopted a ‘give-it-all’ approach which earned me a Cum Laude. All the hard work and dedication finally paid off while persistence in prayer sustained me,” she said jubilantly.
She strongly believes that the Advanced Diploma in Management Science Business Administration has strengthened her management and leadership capabilities.
“I also believe that a shift in focus towards fostering innovative and entrepreneurial skills among youths could be one of the most effective means to mitigate social economic challenges (both poverty and unemployment) in disadvantaged communities in developing countries, South Africa in particular,” she added.
Dr Masenya professed that there is a need for more teaching and research in entrepreneurship and technopreneurship as potential tools for sustainable development and education.
“The course has thus equipped me with required knowledge and skills that I will transfer to my students through teaching, research and mentoring,” she indicated.
Her path to success had its challenges, the biggest being balancing her studies, family and work responsibilities.
“My academic colleagues (Thusanang team) have always been there to encourage and share ideas, and they made the course more interesting and enjoyable. I have learned that having a good support system is the key to a healthy and balanced life,” she added.
In terms of her aims, going forward, she aims to focus more on what she is passionate about, which is innovation and research and fulfil her purpose of mentoring and developing youth and emerging researchers especially young women so that they can tap into creative and innovative thinking, and are able to resolve the challenges facing society globally.
Her advice to future students to pursue what one is passionate about and find people who are helpful and motivated.
“No matter how hard it is, stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals and fulfil your purpose,” she relayed.
Pictured: Dr Tlou Maggie Masenya
Photography: Mfundiso Khanyile
Waheeda Peters
